Removing boat name under paint (!)

[4lane]

I have a new to me older boat and am changing the name/hailing port. It looks like at some point the city name was painted over (along with the hull) because the old port city letters are raised underneath the paint. Should I try wet sanding hoping to remove the paint and then the lettering underneath?

 

[Calif. Ted]

Won't you will end up having to refinish the whole transom if you try to remove lettering BENEATH the paint?

 

[4lane]

That is the concern. By painted over it instead of taking off the lettering, that person has made things a lot more difficult.

 

[Jim Legere]

When the name is painted on gelcoat (or even when it is a vinyl applique) the gelcoat under the lettering is protected while the surrounding gelcoat weathers away. When you remove the name to paint, the ghost of the letter remains. Probably not worth trying to sand the 'ghost' off as you may create a situation that is more noticeable. Only you and the surveyor will ever know what the old name and hailing port were...

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

The "ghost" can be removed (faded away) with repeated applications of undiluted bleach several times a day(I just kept spraying it on using a trigger sprayer) in sunny weather...if possible, position the boat so that direct sunlight hits the transom as long as possible each day. You'll start to see some progress in a few days...may take several weeks for it to disappear completely but it will eventually if you keep spraying it.
Hopefully you'll have a shorter a name to get of than "Casey Leigh" (p.o's daughter's name).

--Peggie